Spectral pygmy chameleon

The spectral pygmy chameleon, western pygmy chameleon, or Cameroon stumptail chameleon[1] (Rhampholeon spectrum) is one of the so-called "dwarf" or "leaf" chameleons, from mainland Africa.

Spectral pygmy chameleon
Rhampholeon spectrum

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Rhampholeon
Species:
R. spectrum
Binomial name
Rhampholeon spectrum
Buchholz, 1874
Synonyms

Chamaeleo spectrum Buchholz, 1874
Rhampholeon affinis Steindachner, 1911

Distribution

The exact distribution differs between sources, but includes at least Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon,[1][2] and may include the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo,[2] and Nigeria.[1]

Description

They are small, not exceeding 10 cm (4 in), with very short, albeit prehensile, tails. They tend to frequent the ground and low shrubbery in forested areas.[3]

This species is capable of color change, but generally in somber shades of tan to gray. It also has a ventral stripe from the eye to above the base of the tail which, however, is not always displayed in lieu of plain ground colors. It is capable of quite striking coloration in the form of streaks and blotches.

In spite of their small size, plain color, and often terrestrial habits, they are otherwise very much like the larger chameleons in possessing independently rotating eye sockets, opposable digits on the front and back feet, and projectile tongues. Males may be differentiated from females by their wider tail bases.

Behavior

They are extremely sedentary, and not territorial (unlike other chameleons). They eat small invertebrates. Their reproductive habits are poorly known. These animals seem to prefer cooler temperatures.

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References
  1. Mariaux, J. & LeBreton, M. (2010). "Rhampholeon spectrum". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2010: e.T176322A7218445. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T176322A7218445.en. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  2. Rhampholeon spectrum at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 28 August 2015.
  3. Matthee, C. A.; Tilbury, C. R.; Townsend, T. (2004). "A phylogenetic review of the African leaf chameleons: genus Rhampholeon (Chamaeleonidae): the role of vicariance and climate change in speciation". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 271 (1551): 1967. doi:10.1098/rspb.2004.2806. PMC 1691807. PMID 15347522.


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